Powering a More Sustainable Future: How eBay’s Investments Are Advancing the Circular Economy

Every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck of clothing is landfilled or burned — adding up to 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year. Similarly, electronic waste has become the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, with more than 60 million tonnes generated annually. As overproduction and disposal continue to shape modern commerce, extending the life of products is becoming an increasingly important way to care for our planet.

For three decades, eBay has helped make that possible. Our global marketplace connects buyers and sellers to exchange pre-loved goods, keeping products in use longer and out of landfills. Each Earth Day brings renewed focus to protecting the planet, and we’re continuing to invest in the systems that support this model. From powering our operations with renewable energy to strengthening the technology that powers our marketplace, these efforts help support a more circular, resilient future for commerce.

A Shift in How People Shop

Recommerce, the buying and selling of pre-loved and refurbished goods, has moved from niche to mainstream. According to our 2025 Recommerce Report, 45% of consumers say environmental benefits are a primary reason they choose pre-owned items, while 68% feel good about giving products a second life. Affordability is also a key factor, with many turning to pre-owned goods as a more cost-effective way to shop.

This momentum is being driven in part by a new generation of consumers, a shift eBay President and CEO Jamie Iannone sees accelerating. 

“Recommerce is redefining how people shop — led by a new generation that values connection, purpose, and sustainability,” he said. “eBay has been leading this shift from the start, and with new AI tools, it’s now easier than ever to give great products a second life and build a more sustainable future.”

Our AI tools, including AI-generated backgrounds, description generators, and even an AI assistant, are helping make circular commerce more accessible and efficient for both buyers and sellers.

Delivering a Measurable Impact

Our work is already delivering measurable results. In 2025 alone, the sale of pre-loved and refurbished goods on our platform generated $5.3 billion in positive economic impact, while avoiding 1.6 million metric tons of carbon emissions and 70,000 metric tons of waste. 

We are also working to reduce the environmental footprint within our own operations. As of 2024, 100% of the electricity used in eBay-controlled offices and data centers is supported by renewable energy. We have also committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across our value chain by 2045, with science-based targets guiding reductions in the years ahead.

Investing in What Comes Next

Looking ahead, we’re investing in the next generation of circular solutions that expand how products are reused, repaired, and kept in circulation. Through initiatives such as our Circular Fashion Fund, we provide funding and mentorship to startups focused on resale, repair, and recycling, helping accelerate new approaches to reducing waste.

eBay plays a unique role in connecting environmental impact with economic opportunity, showing how sustainability can be embedded at the core of commerce. Sellers, from individuals to small businesses, can build income streams by reselling goods, while buyers gain access to more affordable options that align with their values. This dual benefit is why recommerce is increasingly seen not just as sustainable, but as a smarter, more resilient form of commerce.